71-year-old traditional barber shop soon to close is the cornerstone of inaugural festival focusing on Hong Kong’s cultural heritage

In the heart of Hong Kong, there's a little barber shop known as Oi Kwan Barbers that has been a part of the city since 1962. It's one of the last traditional Cantonese street barber shops, tucked away in a narrow alley in Wan Chai. Despite its small size, it's packed with history, still using the original furniture and tools. However, due to the city's ever-growing need for space, the building housing Oi Kwan Barbers is set for redevelopment.

In light of this, Oi Kwan Barbers became the focal point of the first After Sunset Festival, an event dedicated to Hong Kong's cultural heritage. The festival took place at the Fringe Club and brought together over 50 creative minds, including artists, designers, and performers, alongside masters of traditional crafts. The goal was to engage the community and challenge the idea that Hong Kong's cultural identity is fading.

The festival featured a variety of activities, from art inspired by the tiny barbershop to discussions about urban development and cultural preservation. Artists like Issac Li and Andreas von Buddenbrock showcased works that celebrated the role of barbershops in community life. Meanwhile, Hong Kong artists Abby Au Yeung and Ellen Lam found a way to keep Oi Kwan Barbers alive through a digital recreation. June Mung's ceramic sculptures brought the barbershop's atmosphere to life, and Mark Lau, the current owner, gave live haircut demonstrations. The festival also included workshops on traditional candy sculpting, embroidery, and talks on the city's history, such as the 'ghost signs' of Hong Kong. The After Sunset Festival concluded with a mix of old and new music, symbolizing the blend of tradition and modernity in Hong Kong's vibrant culture.